A shocking workplace exchange has gone viral after an employee revealed that his manager asked him to work from the hospital while his wife was preparing to deliver their child. The incident has sparked a national conversation about the erosion of work life boundaries and the rising pressure on employees to remain constantly available.
The employee shared screenshots of a conversation with his manager on Reddit. He had requested two days of leave because his wife had been admitted for delivery. Instead of granting the request, the manager suggested that he continue working from the hospital room.
In the screenshot, the manager asks whether the couple’s parents would be present and then added that the employee could postpone his leave by a week. The manager said that he could log in from the hospital and suggested that the family would manage. The message stated that he would not have to do anything significant anyway.
The employee expressed his distress in the Reddit post. He wrote that at a moment when he expected to focus on his family and the birth of his child, he was forced to justify why he could not operate his laptop beside a labour bed.
He also revealed that he feared the consequences of refusing the request. He mentioned financial responsibilities, one child already at home, and anxiety over being removed from his position if he pushed back on unreasonable demands.
The viral incident has also opened up a wider discussion about the emotional toll of workplaces that expect constant availability. When an employee is asked to stay logged in even during a life event as significant as childbirth, it reflects a culture where productivity is valued more than people.
Experts at Harvard Health explain that toxic productivity is more than working hard. It is a pressure to stay constantly productive, even when the body and mind clearly need rest. Here is what it looks like in real life:
Feeling guilty for resting
People feel uncomfortable or ashamed when they are not working, even during weekends, illness or important family events.
Believing everything is urgent
Every task begins to feel like an emergency, creating constant stress and tension.
Struggling to slow down
Even during moments meant for family or personal care, the mind stays occupied with work deadlines and messages.
Ignoring physical and emotional warning signs
Headaches, fatigue, anxiety and irritability may be pushed aside in the name of performance.
Losing personal boundaries
Work starts to replace real living. People begin to sacrifice major milestones, such as the birth of a child or time with loved ones.1
Reference:
1. Salamon, Maureen. “Beyond the Grind: Toxic Productivity and How It Sabotages Your Well-Being.” Harvard Health Publishing, December 1 2024. https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/beyond-the-grind-toxic-productivity-and-how-it-sabotages-your-well-being
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